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Monday, July 1, 2013

As we continue to work outside and on our patio, the design and wish list has evolved. We start to place in items and pieces, and realize what we are lacking, what colors didn't make sense and where our needs weren't addressed.

That is how the story of our new, charming little table comes in.

We have two outdoor chairs, one for lounging, another for sitting. They add cozy seating to our deck in the warmer months and we loooove them. But that is all we had. They were clearance finds, and we pieced the frames with cushions and called it good.

But now that we are trying to give ourselves a functional place to relax during down moments, sitting in those chairs is great, but where do we set down a cold beverage? Or a magazine? Or a plate of cheese and crackers? On the deck floor? Nope. The obvious solution was a small table.

I asked my Mr. if he could help me build a mini-console table for our deck. Basically, using the same design that we used for our console desk in the studio, only shorter and less lengthy. I was hoping to create something that would go the distance between our two chairs, be weather resistant, have an opening below to tuck a footstool, pillows or toys and just be that perfect spot for my ice cold margarita water.

So, we measured the distance between the two chairs and set off to the hardware store for supplies.

Because the table was for the outdoors, we went straight to the decking area. Cedar was our first wood of choice as it smells great, is meant for the outdoors and could be stained immediately.

We found eight cedar balusters {for the frame} at $.94/each and a three eight foot cedar boards for around $3/each {which we just cut in half and sized to fit the top of the table for six total planks}.

When we got home, the hubby got straight to work getting our table built and assembled. He started by using his miter saw to cut the legs to our desired height. We wanted the table to be around 20" tall.

His Kreg Jig was once again his best friend in this project. The jig allows him to create edges without having exposed screws {they inset into the inside of the wood}.

Once the holes were created with the jig, the legs were assembled with standard screws.

The table would have four legs, and a support beam around the bottom perimeter {both sides and the back with an open front}.

Once the frame was assembled, we added one more support piece across the top center for the top boards to attach to.

For the top of the table, we used a book to create even and consistent spaces, and a brad nailer to attach the boards to the frame.

When it came to finishing the table, I again, walked the home improvement aisles and my jaw dropped at stain prices. Anywhere from $20-$40 for a gallon of exterior stain? Um, no thank you. Not for a $17 table.

And then I saw the sample size cans for $3. And they could be mixed to a specific color! Score! I selected Russet.

I followed the application instructions, and went with two thin coats. It covered nicely and instantly gave the table a beautiful, natural look. I was officially in love.

At this point, I was wishing I would have stained the planks prior to assembly. Getting down in those cracks was a bit tedious and imperfect, but live and learn I say!

After the stain cured, I had the pleasure of placing it in it's new home. Here she blows! Isn't she amazing??

Simply beautiful! Really, adds a nice warm and rustic element to our deck which is going in a very colorful direction.

I could have used a wood putty on the holes, but I actually liked them? I am a weirdo. The final dimensions of the table were 36" wide x 16" deep x 20" high.

Let's look at the details... the Kreg Jig gave the corners a very seamless look.

And those planks, sigh, I am crushing on the small space in-between each board. We did it for weather and drainage, but I think it looks charming as well!

The color is pure perfection. The natural, chocolate color really balances the gray and white decking.

Mission accomplished! A place for a drink or a snack, a spot to plop down lounging necessities, tucked away foot stool and pillow storage.... And what I adore best of all is that it was hand built by the love of my life {and for around $20!}. Talk about mushy gushy stuff right here!

Although we didn't initially plan for the table, I am SO glad we added it and the impact it has on the deck. We are trying to finish all of these outdoor projects up for our final reveal. Just a few more finishing touches and we will be D O N E!

I have a cute little set up on my patio and am afraid to leave everything out at night for fear it will be a wet and or dirty mess in the morning. I'm usually only enjoying my patio on the weekends, so on Sunday night I put everything under a small overhang off of my house that's covered. But even so, it gets dirty/ has pollen all over it by the next weekend! I guess what I'm trying to ask is- how and when do you store you're patio pillows/accessories? Is it always outside looking gorgeous like your pictures above? :-)

Majority of the outdoor items have been weather proofed {outdoor pillows, outdoor cushions, outdoor rug, outdoor finishes and spray paints}. Our chairs and pillows do go under chair covers that I bought at Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Patio-Armor-Dark-Taupe-Polyester-High-Back-Patio-Chair-Cover-SF40257/203053076#.UdHOZpz9UaM which definitely helps a lot. We don't have pollen problems or much dust, just lots of rain. Everything out stays out during the main months, and will get tucked away in our garage during winter months.

So pretty! I love cedar and the stain you chose is perfect (and one of my favorite wood colors). I keep wanting to focus on our outdoors, especially now that its closer to 75 instead of 105 (but it'll go back up, crazy Missouri weather). But, my hubby keeps me sane and tells me no, we need to finish the inside, current projects first. Which is true of course. We are on a deadline - gotta get my daughter's new room complete before tackling her current room before baby boy arrives in 4 months (from today!). But it's not stopping me from having a little bit of fun outdoors in my flower garden. Here's our current project - http://thebrickbungalow.blogspot.com/2013/07/lilys-big-girl-room-day-2.html

I can totally relate to you! We have spent so many summer's focusing on the interior, that the exterior was always put on the back burner. Since we had such a long winter this year, my brain instantly went outside at the first sign of sun and warmth. I decided that I wanted a happy place outside to unwind after working on inside projects {we still have two bathroom's and a kitchen to tackle}. :) Congrats on the new baby and best wishes as you continue to work on the little lady's bedroom.

It looks amazing!!! I love the table and all the color! I wish I had your decorating skills!!! This is totally off topic, but do people who are mormon drink alcohol and caffeine? I'm very interested in learning about different faiths.

Ooh, that table is perfect, I love the more rustic, natural tone with all the white and pops of color, it makes for a good contrast. And I'm a little in love with the price of making that table too!

Any idea whether a similar technique but longer would work for a bench seat? Our long wrap-around porch desperately needs a bench on the side where we usually sit but we've held off because buying a bench would cost too much. But if I could make a bench similar to this table for less than $40 or so we could do it right away and enjoy it!

Hmmmm, I wonder if you would just use cedar deck boards and cut them down, not sure of the price, but Home Depot will even cut them to length for you right in the store. I am guessing that by building one, you could save oodles of moolah and achieve a higher quality item at the same time.

The rug doesn't 100% repel water, it does absorb some. As far as wind, the pillows stay under chair covers or in our storage bench outside. Anything else that I actually leave out, is heavy enough for any winds we get.

I love you! As a very OCD decorator and organizer your blog makes me want my own house so badly! I divorced in 2010 and have a very cute organized apartment, but I want to paint and customize more! Hopefully very soon.

P.S. I love the screw holes, being an outdoor piece it TOTALLY makes sense! (Yes, I said totally in caps, how 90's of me!?!)

Your deck is looking great! The table really does pull the seating area together nicely, and really finishes out the space. I found a little side table that a neighbor was getting rid of that I just need to put a fresh coat of paint on, and it will be a perfect addition to our deck.

It is simply beautiful and can’t wait to see the final reveal. You must be so happy you decided to take up the table. It has motivated us to do a little more to our outdoors. Glad you shared it with us Jen.

Love the table! I was just given a Kreg Jig for my birthday and can't wait to start building! I would like to know where you got the fabric covered stool that you have under the table please? I need extra seating in my sewing room and a couple of them would be perfect!

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